03-06-2025
- General
- The Herald Scotland
Glasgow's medieval roots commemorated in stone
In collaboration with the Merchants House, Trades House, and City of Glasgow College, the project honours Glasgow's past and engages young people in preserving this heritage, while working on a practical project with valuable learning opportunities.
The project involved the design and production of the port stones by students from the City of Glasgow. Each stone, designed by construction apprentices, after discussions with students and senior pupils as part of the college's Schools' Partnership Programme, incorporates Glasgow City Council's coat of arms as well as the crests of Trades House and Merchants House of Glasgow, Glasgow Dean of Guild Court Trust and City of Glasgow College.
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Each Caithness stone marker is also engraved with a compass point denoting the 'port gate', the Glasgow 850 logo, a brief historical description and the year it was laid.
Medieval Glasgow ran from the River Clyde, up through the Saltmarket, along High Street and up to the Cathedral. The historical locations for the stones, installed by the council, are based on the approximate sites of the original medieval city gates.
These locations were chosen based on historical documents and maps, including the "Medieval City Map: Glasgow's Medieval City development between 1150 and 1550" produced by Glasgow City Council in conjunction with West of Scotland Archaeology Service.
The markers are located at: Glasgow Cathedral Precinct; Saltmarket at Jocelyn Square; Gallowgate opposite Molindinar Street and Trongate opposite Trongate 103.
(L-R) Lord Dean of Guild, Lord Provost, Deacon Convenor, Andy Pollok, City of Glasgow College (Image: Glasgow 850)
Lord Provost of Glasgow, Jacqueline McLaren, said: 'This project symbolises the unity and collaboration of three historic civic institutions in Glasgow, and one that reflects a shared commitment to civic pride and legacy.'Together, with the College, this project has allowed the students to contribute something tangible in this special year – something that they can be proud of and that can be enjoyed by residents and visitors alike.'
Lord Dean of Guild Merchants House of Glasgow, Andrew McFarlane, said: 'The marker stones are intended to be a reminder to future generations of both the development of the city and the celebrations to mark its 850th birthday."
Deacon Convenor Trades House of Glasgow Richard Paterson, said; 'The marker stones are a legacy to the city's past and a reminder that 'People Make Glasgow.'
The Glasgow 850 celebrations mark a significant milestone in the city's history, commemorating 850 years since Glasgow was granted burgh status, in 1175.
The year-long programme includes a variety of events and activities designed to engage and inspire people of all ages, reflecting Glasgow's dynamic past, present, and future.
